Wienerberger AG: Wienerberger reports growth and return to the profit zone in 2011

Vienna (pta008/21.02.2012/08:00 UTC+1) Results for 2011:
- Group revenues: 2,023.7 million Euro (+16% vs. 2010)
- Operating EBITDA: 258.6 million Euro (+23% vs. 2010)
- EBIT: 79.1 million Euro (+>100% vs. 2010)
- Profit after tax: 40.8 million Euro (vs. a 34.9 million Euro loss in 2010)
- Gearing: 18% at year-end 2011
- Recommended dividend: 12 Eurocents per share (+20% vs. 2010)

Highlights in 2011:
- Higher volumes in all product groups despite difficult markets
- Wienerberger outperforms the market in many countries
- Higher average prices cover cost inflation

Outlook on 2012:
- Forecasts for 2012 difficult due to low visibility
- Focus on further organic growth and operational excellence
- Significant earnings improvement through full consolidation of Pipelife
- Financial discipline and preservation of strong capital base remain top priority

Wienerberger AG, the world's largest producer of bricks with leading positions in clay roof tiles in Europe, today announced results for 2011. After completing the turnaround in the second quarter of 2010, the company returned to the profit zone during the past year. Revenues rose by 16% and operating EBITDA by 23% year-on-year in a still challenging environment. Wienerberger started 2011 with strong volume growth that was supported by the mild weather. Despite slower momentum during the second six months, volumes were higher in all product groups for the full year. This reflects the focus on premium products, which allowed Wienerberger to outperform the market. At the same time, cost inflation was successfully offset by price adjustments that was also supported in part from a gradual shift in the mix to premium products. In 2011 Wienerberger recorded after-tax profit of 41 million Euro following a loss of 35 million Euro in the previous year.

Successful implementation of new strategy
Heimo Scheuch, Chief Executive Officer of Wienerberger AG, indicated his satisfaction with the year's performance: "These results confirm that we are on the right track. After the restructuring phase, we repositioned the company and shifted the focus to our premium products and system solutions for energy-efficient construction to use the strong operating base as a platform for further growth of the Group. The success of these measures was visible in 2011: We increased our market shares in many countries, even though we also raised prices to cover cost inflation. As you know, there were no real signs of recovery in many of our markets during 2011. The positive trend in new residential construction in Germany, Belgium, France and Russia was contrasted by nearly stable development on the construction markets in the Netherlands, Great Britain, Switzerland, Poland and the Czech Republic as well as declines in the USA, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Southeast Europe. However, our outstanding achievements of our sales force and our high-quality product portfolio allowed us to gain ground, even in difficult markets, and made these strong results possible."

Wienerberger closes 2011 with after-tax profit of 41 million Euro
In detail, results for 2011 are as follows: Group revenues rose by 16% to 2,024 million Euro, while operating EBITDA increased 23% to 259 million Euro due to better capacity utilization and higher average prices. These operating results do not include non-recurring positive earnings effects of approx. 33 million Euro from the equity swap in the roof segment. In spring 2011 Wienerberger transferred its 50% investment in the concrete tile producer Bramac to the former joint venture partner Monier in exchange for a further 25% stake in Tondach Gleinstätten plus a settlement payment. Wienerberger now holds 50% of Tondach, a clay roof tile producer with leading positions in Eastern Europe. Group EBIT increased significantly from 11 million to 79 million Euro for the reporting year. Financial results improved, above all due to higher income from Pipelife as well as lower interest expense. After the deduction of 30 million Euro in financial results and 9 million Euro for taxes, profit after tax equaled 41 million Euro compared with a loss of 35 million Euro in 2010. Earnings per share equaled 0.08 Euro after the deduction of the hybrid coupon and non-controlling interests, compared with -0.57 Euro in the previous year.

Strong gross cash flow of 204 million Euro in 2011
Wienerberger again demonstrated its cash flow-generating strength in 2011. Gross cash flow totaled 204 million Euro, or approx. 53 million Euro more than 2010. Cash flow from operating activities amounted to 179 million Euro. Cash flow was used to finance 159 million Euro of investments, including 103 million Euro for normal capex, which includes besides the standard maintenance capex also as well as technological improvements, and 56 million Euro for growth investments. In July 2011 Wienerberger issued a new bond with a volume of 100 million Euro to further strengthen liquidity and, with liquidity reserves of 584 million Euro and net debt of 442 million Euro (which represents gearing of only 18%), has a strong capital structure.

Successful placement of a 200 million Euro bond in January 2012
In January 2012 Wienerberger successfully placed a further bond. Strong demand led to the placement of the maximum 200 million Euro volume before the scheduled end of the subscription period. This bond has a term of 3.5 years and an annual coupon of 5.0%. The proceeds will be used to preserve the Group's strong capital structure.

Managing Board recommends 0.12 Euro dividend per share
The Managing Board will make a recommendation to the annual general meeting on May 11, calling for a 20% increase in the dividend to 12 Eurocents dividend per share. "The economic environment is still challenging, but we want our shareholders to profit from the sound development of business in 2011 and therefore increase the dividend accordingly up to 12 Eurocents," explained Heimo Scheuch on the reasons for this decision.

Fourth Quarter of 2011
The development of business in the fourth quarter of 2011 was favorably influenced by the mild weather, with December particularly sound in year-on-year comparison. Higher volumes in all product groups led to a 17% increase in revenues over the comparable prior year period. Operating EBITDA fell 11% to 45 million Euro due to 7 million Euro of expenses for optimization measures in the fourth quarter of 2011, while the comparable period in 2010 included a comparable amount of non-recurring positive effects. After an adjustment for these effects, the increase in earnings would have matched the reported revenue growth. In Central-East Europe clay block sales declined slightly, but volumes were higher in all other product groups. This segment recorded a quarter-on-quarter increase of 4% in revenues to 129 million Euro and 5% in operating EBITDA to 20 million Euro, in part due to higher average prices. In Central-West Europe higher volumes and prices in all product groups supported growth of 14% in revenues to 100 million Euro and 13% in operating EBITDA to 10 million Euro. North-West Europe recorded higher volumes in all product groups, which led to an improvement of 17% in revenues to 194 million Euro. As a result of optimization costs, EBITDA growth in this segment was lower than revenues with a 6% increase to 28 million Euro. In North America, the mild winter supported an 8% increase in revenues to 34 million Euro also based on higher average prices. Operating EBITDA was lower than the comparable prior year quarter because of non-recurring income recognized in Q4 2010. In the Investments and Other segment, revenues rose substantially to 12 million Euro with the initial consolidation of Steinzeug-Keramo, while operating EBITDA declined slightly due to integration costs associated with the takeover of EuroCeramic during the summer.

Acquisition of Pipelife
Last week Wienerberger announced the acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in Pipelife, one of the leading producers of plastic pipe systems in Europe, for 162 million Euro. For Wienerberger, which will hold 100% of Pipelife after the approval of the transaction by the antitrust authorities, the takeover opens new dimensions with respect to both size and strategic focus. Pipelife was previously included at equity, and full consolidation will increase Wienerberger Group revenues by approx. 800 million Euro or roughly one-third, and EBITDA by more than 20%, or approx. 70 million Euro, per year. The takeover of this pipe systems producer also sets a strategic milestone. Wienerberger will reduce its dependency on cyclical new residential construction from nearly 70% to 60% of revenues, as planned, and also open sustainable opportunities for growth in new areas of business and markets.

Sustainable growth potential from Pipelife for Wienerberger Group
Heimo Scheuch expressed his satisfaction over this important development for the Wienerberger Group: "The full takeover of Pipelife represents a milestone in our strategy to expand the core business. With this transaction, we - together with our subsidiary Steinzeug-Keramo, which holds leading positions in ceramic pipes - will become one of the most important European players in pipe systems. For Wienerberger, this not only means lower dependency on cyclical new residential construction, but also additional and sustainable growth potential. Plastic pipes continue to gain market shares over competing metal and concrete products, and this segment is therefore growing faster than the market. The integration of Pipelife will also allow us to expand our business, especially in the areas of building and electro installations. We intend to use the combined innovative power and strong market structures of Pipelife and Wienerberger to generate growth and further strengthen our market presence. This transaction reflects our sustainable growth strategy, and also creates immediate added value for our shareholders", added Heimo Scheuch in conclusion.

Outlook and Strategy
Wienerberger is not in a position to provide a specific guidance for 2012 at the present time because visibility in two key regions - Eastern Europe and the USA - is still limited. In Germany, the backlog of building permits from the previous year points to a continued upturn in new residential construction, at least during the first half of 2012. In France, the company expects continued stability in new residential construction and further growth in the market share of clay blocks versus concrete as well as increased demand for roof tiles due to sound activity on the renovation market. Belgium appears to be facing a period of weakness due to a cutback in government incentives and a decline in consumer confidence. In Poland, the only country in Central-East Europe where strong domestic demand and macroeconomic stability make a forecast possible, steady demand for building materials is expected. In the other countries of this region, visibility is so low that forecasts for the development of business are impossible. But as construction activity has already fallen to such a low level in many Central and East European countries that further significant declines in new residential construction are unlikely. For the USA, the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) is forecasting an increase of over 15% in housing starts from a low level. However, Heimo Scheuch remains reserved: "I would be happy if they were right this time, but I have my doubts due to the high unemployment and prevailing consumer uncertainty in the USA. The situation has improved to a certain extent in recent months, undoubtedly also because of the mild weather. In any case, I would be pleased to see a slight improvement in new residential construction during 2012."

Price adjustments planned to cover cost inflation in 2012
Wienerberger expects a slight rise in input costs during 2012, above all for energy. Over 50% of the required volumes have already been secured through fixed price contracts, and current estimates indicate a price-related increase of approx. 15 million Euro in energy costs for the year. "I expect that we will be able to adjust our prices to cover cost inflation", added Heimo Scheuch.

Net debt / operating EBITDA expected to be substantially below 2.5 at year-end 2012
Financial discipline and a healthy capital structure remain the top priority for Wienerberger, and investment plans for 2012 are therefore reserved. "We have budgeted 120 million Euro for normal capex, which includes besides the maintenance as well as technological improvements. Growth investments include of course 162 million Euro for the Pipelife acquisition. Since Pipelife has very low net debt (approx. 70 million Euro at year-end 2011), we do not expect any significant deterioration in our balance sheet or financial indicators during 2012. This transaction will not have any negative impact on our strategic flexibility or our covenants because of our solid financial base, cash reserves and low gearing. After the financing of the purchase price and the consolidation of Pipelife's net debt, we will still meet our targets at the end of 2012 with net debt / operating EBITDA clearly below 2.5. However, it should be noted that these indicators will fluctuate during the year due to the seasonality of our business."

Wienerberger also targets organic growth in 2012
Heimo Scheuch looks to the future with optimism: "Notwithstanding the uncertain outlook, my expectations for 2012 are positive. We intend to continue our course and use our strong operating base for further organic growth want to again outperform the market this year. This will be supported by the launch of new products and system solutions in various markets to generate growth with targeted marketing and sales initiatives."

Details on results for 2011 are provided in the attached financial information. The full annual report and the annual financial report for 2011 will be published on March 29, 2012 and also be available for review and download from the homepage.

For additional information contact:
Barbara Braunöck, Head of Investor Relations
T +43 1 601 92 - 471 | communication@wienerberger.com

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Earnings Data		2009	2010	2011	Chg. in %
Revenues	in mill. Euro	1,816.90	1,744.80	2,023.70	+16
Operating EBITDA 1)	in mill. Euro	208.60	210.80	258.60	+23
Restructuring costs and impairment fixed to assets	in mill. Euro	-153.70	0.00	0.00	0
Impairment charges to goodwill	in mill. Euro	-123.30	0.00	-2.60	<-100
Deconsolidation result	in mill. Euro	0.00	0.00	33.20	>100
EBIT	in mill. Euro	-258.10	10.70	79.10	>100
Profit before tax	in mill. Euro	-295.60	-40.80	49.50	>100
Profit after tax	in mill. Euro	-258.70	-34.90	40.80	>100
Free Cash flow 2)	in mill. Euro	250.80	176.80	141.70	-20
Maintenance capex	in mill. Euro	62.70	61.70	102.50	+66
Growth investments	in mill. Euro	71.40	88.10	56.30	-36
ROCE 3)	in %	0.20	0.20	2.20	-
CFROI 4)	in %	4.30	4.30	5.20	-
Ø Employees		12,676	11,848	12,818	+8

Balance Sheet Data		2009	2010	2011	Chg. in %
Equity 5)	in mill. Euro	2,547.00	2,525.70	2,459.90	-3
Net debt	in mill. Euro	408.00	374.50	442.50	+18
Capital employed	in mill. Euro	2,816.80	2,779.50	2,798.50	+1
Balance sheet total	in mill. Euro	4,087.40	4,059.30	4,122.30	+2
Gearing	in %	16.00	14.80	18.00	-

Stock Exchange Data		2009	2010	2011	Chg. in %
Earnings per share	in Euro	-3.17	-0.57	0.08	>100
Dividend per share	in Euro	0.00	0.10	0.12	+20
Share price at year-end	in Euro	12.78	14.29	6.97	-51
Shares outstanding (weighted) 6)	in 1,000	91,298	116,528	116,758	0
Market capitalization at year-end	in mill. Euro	1,502.00	1,679.50	819.00	-51

Operating Segments 2011	Central-East Europe 7)		Central-West Europe 8)		North-West Europe 8)		North America		Investments and Other 7) 9)
in mill. Euro and %
Revenues	587.60	(+11%)	435.10	(+15%)	808.10	(+12%)	135.30	(-6%)	57.60	(>100%)
Operating EBITDA 1)	102.50	(+19%)	46.20	(+31%)	136.20	(+20%)	-8.70	(<-100%)	-17.60	(+39%)
EBIT	24.80	(+19%)	16.50	(>100%)	66.80	(+49%)	-32.00	(-44%)	3.00	(>100%)
CFROI in % 4)	7.10		5.80		7.10		-1.20		-15.20
Total investments	45.90	(-7%)	32.90	(+66%)	53.30	(+51%)	8.10	(+4%)	18.60	(-51%)
Capital employed	755.30	(+1%)	349.20	(-1%)	1,119.30	(+1%)	501.20	(0%)	73.50	(0%)
Ø Employees	4,624	(+4%)	2,067	(+2%)	4,254	(+5%)	1,127	(+2%)	746	(>100%)

1) Adjusted for non-recurring income and expenses
2) Cash flow from operating activities minus cash flow from investing activities plus growth investments
3) Calculation based on average capital employed
4) Calculation based on average historical capital employed
5) Equity including non-controlling interests and hybrid capital
6) Adjusted for treasury stock
7) East Europe holding companies are reported under the Investments and Other segment beginning in 2011 (previously: Central-East Europe); comparable figures from the prior year period were adjusted accordingly
8) The cross boarder trading activities of the Netherlands and Germany are reported under North-West Europe beginnign in 2011 (previously: Central-West Europe), comparable figures from the prior year period were adjusted accordingly
9) Including Group eliminations and holding costs; offset of inter-company sales in this segment

Note: In the table of the operating segment data, change in % to the comparable prior year period are shown in brackets.

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